Creamy Forest Rice Soup
Indulge in the earthy flavors of our Creamy Forest Rice Soup, a blend of wild rice, fresh mushrooms, and vegetables in a luscious creamy broth.
Dive into the comfort of Creamy Forest Rice Soup, where the earthy essence of the forest meets the warmth of home cooking. This soup melds the nutty notes of wild rice with a medley of mushrooms and a velvety finish.
Why Choose this Recipe?
- It’s a mouthwatering mix-up of flavors. With wild rice and a bunch of different mushrooms, this soup is like a forest hike for your taste buds – diverse and surprising with every bite.
- It’s like a hug in a bowl. On a brisk evening, this soup is the ultimate comfort – think of it as your favorite sweater in edible form, all warm and snuggly.
- It’s creamy but still keeps it real. You get that luxurious creamy taste without waving goodbye to the good stuff – it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are as good for you as they taste.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You bet. This soup’s like leftovers – the flavor just gets better. Make it, let it cool, then stash it in the fridge. Just gently reheat it when you’re ready to dive in.
Can I use any type of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Go wild with your mushrooms – cremini, shiitake, portobello – they all bring something special to the party. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in.
How can I thicken the soup without flour?
If flour’s not your friend, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be your go-to thickeners. Mix a little with water, then stir it into your simmering soup for that just-right thickness.
Ingredients for Creamy Forest Rice Soup
- Wild Rice: Hunt down a blend for the best texture and flavor – it should have that signature chewiness. Look for brands with a mix of black, brown, red, and wild rice. Check the packaging for a sturdy seal and no moisture inside.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Go for a mix – cremini for earthiness, shiitake for a meaty bite, and oyster for delicate flavor. They should feel firm, not slimy, with a fresh, woodsy smell.
- Carrots: You want them bright, firm, and smooth. No wrinkles or soft spots – they’re a sign that the carrot has gone on too long.
- Celery: It should be crisp and snap easily when you bend it. The leaves should be a vibrant green, not yellowing or wilted.
- Onions: Look for onions that are heavy for their size and have dry, papery skins. They shouldn’t have any soft spots or visible sprouting.
- Garlic: Choose plump, firm bulbs with intact, dry skins. If it’s starting to sprout green shoots, take a pass – it’s not at its best.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium options so you can control the saltiness of your soup. Give the container a once-over to ensure it’s sealed right.
- Cream: If you’re going dairy, heavy cream should be fresh and sweet-smelling. For a non-dairy version, full-fat coconut milk should be well mixed (shake the can), with no separation or graininess.
What to Serve with this
- Crusty Bread: For a homemade touch, try the Easiest Loaf of Bread You’ll Ever Bake from King Arthur Baking.
- Side Salad: A simple Garden Salad from A Couple Cooks would be a fresh, light side.
- Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese with this Gourmet Grilled Cheese recipe from Ina Garten.
- Roasted Veggies: These Balsamic Roasted Vegetables from Eatwell101 would add a nice tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with this garlicky, buttery Garlic Bread from AllRecipes.
- Soft Dinner Rolls: These fluffy Dinner Rolls from Sally’s Baking Addiction are perfect for sopping up the last drops of soup.
- Baked Potato: Try a classic Baked Potato from Alton Brown, which can be a hearty addition to the meal.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Got soup for days? Just pour it into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or freeze it, and it’ll be your mealtime hero for a couple of months.
Is wild rice essential?
It’s the star of the show, but hey, if you’ve got a different rice blend hanging around, give it a whirl. Just keep an eye on the cooking time – it might play hard to get and take longer to soften up.
Switch it up!
- Go Green: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end until just wilted for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Protein Punch: Stir in some cooked chicken or chickpeas to bulk it up for a complete meal.
- Nutty Notes: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch.
- Cheese Please: Grate some Parmesan or swirl in a spoonful of goat cheese for a tangy depth.
- Zesty Zing: Add a dash of lemon juice or zest before serving for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Spice It Up: Give it some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce.
- Herb Freshness: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving for a burst of flavor.
- Earthy Truffle: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil on top for an indulgent, earthy aroma.
- Cream Swap: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version with a hint of sweetness.
Tips and Tricks for Creamy Forest Rice Soup
- Rice Right: Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to get rid of any debris and to kick-start the cooking process.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté your mushrooms in batches to get them nice and golden – crowding the pan can make them soggy.
- Layer Flavors: Build up flavor by cooking the veggies until they’re caramelized and fragrant before adding liquids.
- Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the soup bubble away gently means every grain of rice will be perfectly cooked and every spoonful packed with flavor.
- Creamy But Light: If you want it creamy without being too heavy, try half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- Finish Fresh: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving – it’s like a little flavor explosion in every bowl.
- Taste Test: Always taste as you go, especially before serving, to make sure the seasoning is just how you like it.
- Storing Secrets: If you’re saving some for later, cool it down quickly and get it in the fridge to keep it fresh. It’s even better the next day!
Want more Soup Recipes?
Best-Ever Creamy Chicken Soup
Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tom Kha Gai- Coconut Chicken Soup
Creamy Forest Rice Soup
Indulge in the earthy flavors of our Creamy Forest Rice Soup, a blend of wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables in a luscious creamy broth.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 large onion
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- splash of white wine optional
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until onions are translucent and vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- If using, pour in a splash of white wine and let it cook down for a minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the wild rice, thyme, oregano, and dill, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream or coconut milk. Warm through but do not boil, to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Notes
- Rice Right: Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to get rid of any debris and to kick-start the cooking process.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté your mushrooms in batches to get them nice and golden – crowding the pan can make them soggy.
- Layer Flavors: Build up flavor by cooking the veggies until they’re caramelized and fragrant before adding liquids.
- Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the soup bubble away gently means every grain of rice will be perfectly cooked and every spoonful packed with flavor.
- Creamy But Light: If you want it creamy without being too heavy, try half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- Finish Fresh: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving – it’s like a little flavor explosion in every bowl.
- Taste Test: Always taste as you go, especially before serving, to make sure the seasoning is just how you like it.
- Storing Secrets: If you’re saving some for later, cool it down quickly and get it in the fridge to keep it fresh. It’s even better the next day!
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 973mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4504IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 6
Calories: 328kcal
